Solar Panel, Cladding & Gutters

Solar Panel Cleaning Guide

Solar panels are relatively new in the UK in any number. In North America, Europe and Australia as well as many other parts of the world solar systems have been installed for many years and so the need for solar panel cleaning has been realised.

When you first had solar panels installed you probably did not even consider the need to keep them clean. Most panels have a glass surface just like windows and so get dirty just like windows. In fact due to the position of the panels facing upwards they are more prone to bird dropping deposits and other debris settling on the surface.

Why do solar panels need cleaning?

Unlike windows the panels on your roof need to have a clean and clear surface to ensure they are working at their maximum efficiency. If they are not at their optimum performance it means they are not producing the amount of electricity that they could be.

On the roof and angled skywards the panels will attract dirt, dust, soot, pollen, tree sap and salt crystals in costal regions creating a fine layer of grime. This layer reduces the amount of light reaching the silicon cells under the glass surface and reduces the panel’s effectiveness. A solar panel that has never been cleaned could be producing almost a third less power than it otherwise could be. Some have reported a ten to fifteen percent loss of solar output due to dirty panels. Boston University in the States have done some research on this and claim that as little as a few grams of dust per square metre can halve their efficiency.

From the ground the panels may appear to be clean, just like your windows. Up close however you can see the grime that has built up from the dirt and pollution in the air. A more noticeable deposit that can be left on panels is bird droppings. These tend to completely block the light from areas of the panel and can considerable reduce its effectiveness.

How to clean solar panels

Some people may try to clean them themselves although this is not recommended. Firstly it can be dangerous trying to reach your roof without the proper equipment. Secondly you may end up damaging the panels either accidentally or by attempting to clean them yourself.

It is recommended that you hire a cleaning company that provides a solar panel cleaning service that know how to clean solar panels properly. Do not just hire a window cleaner unless they have specific knowledge and experience in this area. They may end up at worst damaging the panels or not effectively cleaning the panels so you end up no better off.

Hire a company that has the proper solar panel cleaning equipment

A company who is experienced in cleaning solar panels will have the proper equipment. Using standard windows cleaning tools means that they will end up leaving soap residue behind and hard water spots as any water on the panels surface evaporates.

A professional cleaner will use a water fed pole system that can reach the panels on your roof from the ground. They will use a pure water system that uses de-ionised water and a soft head brush attachment so as not to damage the panels. No chemical should be used as these can cause damage.

How often should I clean my solar panels?

In the UK this is something that we do not have much experience or knowledge with. Luckily solar panel cleaning services in other countries have been established for many years and many recommend getting them cleaned twice a year. Some suggest you get them cleaned every couple of months.

For the best results the first clean should be at the start of spring as the days lengthen and the amount of sun reaching the panels increases. Later in the summer they should be cleaned again. For the UK climate this seems to be the best solution.

Does cleaning a solar panel really improve its efficiency?

The best way to prove this is to record the amount of power being generated before the panels are cleaned. Get the panels cleaned and then compare the new reading with the ones that you took earlier. It is best to do this on a sunny day where the weather is pretty constant as the sun disappearing behind the clouds intermittently is going to affect the results.

SOLAR PANELS, CLADDING & GUTTERS

Blocked gutters can lead to damp problems and damaged brickwork potentially costing thousands of pounds as debris from trees and excessive moss growth can cause major problems.

he build up of muck washed from the roof by rain water, bird droppings, moss and lichen can grow at an alarming rate, even if your property has no trees in the vicinity, hence it is advisable to have your gutters cleared on an annual basis to prevent water damage to your property.

Cladding cleaning should be an essential part of the overall cleaning structure of a company, and should also external window cleaning by commercial window cleaners. Not only does it enhance the exterior appearance of the building but can increase the lifespan of the cladding helping reduce the ongoing costs of your business.

The first thing clients and customers see when they visit your premises is very often the cladding and if this has been poorly maintained it can leave a negative impression on a potential client or customer.
.Our clients are often amazed when we are part way through a Cladding clean as they get the benefit of the ‘before and after’ effect which can be quite dramatic.

Give your clients and customers a great first impression by having your cladding professionally cleaned.